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Palo Cedro Today
By the People, for the People
Country Music Legend Merle Haggard Dies on 79th Birthday
The influential singer-songwriter passed away 10 years ago today in his California home.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:34pm
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The weathered, textured legacy of a country music legend lives on through his timeless songs.Palo Cedro TodayOn April 6, 2016, country music icon Merle Haggard died from pneumonia at his home in Palo Cedro, California, on his 79th birthday. Haggard's career spanned over five decades, during which he wrote and recorded numerous timeless country hits that helped popularize the Bakersfield Sound nationwide.
Why it matters
Merle Haggard was one of the most revered and influential country music artists of the 20th century. His music and songwriting helped define the Bakersfield Sound and left an indelible mark on the genre that is still felt today, a decade after his passing.
The details
Haggard's music career began after he saw Johnny Cash perform while incarcerated at California's San Quentin prison, inspiring him to turn his life around. After his release, he joined Wynn Stewart's band as a bassist and was soon signed to Tally Records, where he recorded his first top 10 hit, '(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers.' This led to a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1965, and over the next five decades, Haggard released over 70 studio albums, 16 of which topped the country charts, and placed 38 singles at number one.
- Merle Haggard died on April 6, 2016, which was his 79th birthday.
- Haggard saw Johnny Cash perform at San Quentin prison, which inspired him to pursue a music career after his release.
The players
Merle Haggard
One of the most influential country music singer-songwriters of the 20th century, known for his contributions to the Bakersfield Sound and hit songs like 'Mama Tried,' 'Okie from Muskogee,' and 'Fightin' Side of Me.'
Johnny Cash
Legendary country music artist whose prison performance at San Quentin inspired Haggard to turn his life around and pursue a music career.
Wynn Stewart
Country music singer and bandleader who hired Haggard as a bassist, leading to Haggard's first record deal.
Fuzzy Owen
Steel guitar player in Wynn Stewart's band who signed Haggard to his label, Tally Records, and helped launch Haggard's recording career.
Jimmy Belken
Longtime fiddler in Haggard's backing band, the Strangers, who praised Haggard's influence on country music.
What they’re saying
“If someone out there workin' music doesn't bow deep to Merle, don't trust him about much anything else.”
— Jimmy Belken, Longtime fiddler in the Strangers
“If they just bring me up in the same sentence with some of the great writers, you know, that would be my ultimate, to have that.”
— Merle Haggard
The takeaway
Merle Haggard's enduring legacy as one of country music's most revered and influential artists is a testament to the timeless quality of his songwriting and the profound impact he had on the genre. His music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by generations of fans a decade after his passing.